Free 4K Preschool in Appleton

Amy & Kids Co. offers a free 4K experience in Appleton, WI through the Get Kids Ready 4K program, allowing children to build school-readiness skills through hands-on learning and daily exploration.

How Get Kids Ready Works

Get Kids Ready is Wisconsin’s new state-funded preschool initiative. Amy & Kids Co. is a partner site, offering the 4K experience within our play-based environment.

School-readiness learning is woven into our daily rhythm, so children build early literacy, math, social, and emotional skills through play, relationships, and real-life experiences. The Get Kids Ready portion of the day takes place within our regular morning hours, allowing children to learn in a way that feels natural, connected, and developmentally appropriate.

Your child remains part of our playschool environment, experiencing a consistent, child-centered setting designed to support curiosity, creativity, and connection without transitions between separate programs or locations.

Eligibility

This 4K experience is available to eligible children who meet the following requirements:

• Are enrolled at Amy & Kids Co.
• Will be 4 years old on or before September 1 of the school year they plan to attend.
• Are fully toilet trained before the first day of Get Kids Ready.
• Have a completed Get Kids Ready application on file.

Tuition & Cost

Free 4K preschool through Get Kids Ready is free for participating families. This means you won’t pay for the portion of the day designated for GKR programming. Families only pay for additional hours, such as wrap-around care.

Families can choose a full-day or half-day schedule:

• Full-day: Ideal for children who enjoy a consistent, unhurried day. Your child can fully engage in play-based learning, exploratory and nature-based activities, and social interactions.
• Half-day: Perfect for children who no longer nap or for families who prefer a shorter day, while still participating in the state-funded 4K program.

Wrap-around care is available so your child can stay all day, giving you flexibility and peace of mind without worrying about early pick-up or coordinating schedules.

Benefits of 4K at Amy & Kids Co.

• Learning through play: Children build early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills through hands-on, playful experiences.
• Small group size: Children receive individual attention, build meaningful relationships, and grow confident and connected.
• Consistent environment: No transitions between programs or locations—your child stays in one familiar, comfortable setting.
• Nature-rich learning: Children explore and engage with the natural world, developing curiosity, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• Convenience: Participating in 4K with wrap-around care eliminates midday pick-ups and schedule juggling.

Enrollment & Next Steps

Ready to get started?

New families can follow our simple enrollment process to reserve a spot. Once enrolled, your child is eligible to participate in Get Kids Ready 4K.

For more information, visit the Get Kids Ready page.

Get Kids Ready Free 4K Preschool FAQ

Have questions? Below you’ll find answers to common questions about the Get Kids Ready program, enrollment, schedules, and what to expect throughout the day.

What is the Get Kids Ready 4K preschool program?

Get Kids Ready Free 4K Preschool is a state-funded school-readiness program for four-year-olds in Wisconsin. At Amy & Kids Co., children who participate in this 4K program enjoy a play-based, nature-rich preschool environment where early literacy, math, social, and emotional skills are built through hands-on learning. The program follows Wisconsin early learning expectations while allowing children to remain in a consistent, child-centered setting.

Is this 4K program really free, and are there any additional costs?

The Get Kids Ready portion of the day is funded through the state, so families do not pay tuition for those hours. Additional care outside of the 4K schedule, such as wrap-around care, is available for families who need a full-day schedule.

How is this different from district-run 4K or other preschool programs?

Unlike district-run 4K programs that operate in separate school settings, children remain in one consistent, play-based environment at Amy & Kids Co. There are no mid-day transitions between programs or locations. Learning is integrated into daily routines with a focus on exploration, relationships, and hands-on experiences.

What are the 4K hours and daily schedule like?

The 4K portion of the day takes place in the morning, as part of our predictable daily rhythm. Children participate in play-based learning, outdoor exploration, group experiences, and playful learning activities aligned with Wisconsin early learning standards.

What do I need to enroll my child in this Free 4K Preschool?

New families complete our standard enrollment process. Once enrolled, a short Get Kids Ready application is completed to participate in the state-funded program. Current families are already eligible if their child meets the eligibility requirements and only need to submit the application.

How does drop-off and pick-up work for Get Kids Ready 4K preschool?

Drop-off and pick-up follow our regular daily routine. Children remain in one consistent environment throughout the day, whether attending the 4K portion only or staying for additional wrap-around care. This helps create a predictable, comfortable transition for children and families.

How will I receive updates about my child during the program?

Families stay connected through Daily Connect, which provides real-time updates about activities, meals, rest, and daily experiences. This allows you to see how your child’s day is going as it happens.

Quick updates are also shared during daily drop-off and pick-up conversations, and I’m always available to connect if you have questions or want to talk more in depth about your child’s experience.